Lawmakers from across the country gathered in San Francisco for this event to focus on important juvenile justice issues, including model local practices, reentry and aftercare, life without parole, racial disparities, and sentencing youth as adults, among many other topics. Daniel Reyes, alongside representatives from JCRT collaborators (San Francisco Superior Court, Public Defender's Office, District Attorney, and Juvenile Probation Department) presented on what value CBOs can bring to the youth reentry process, as evidenced by JCRT's unique partnership.

"When CBOs are at the forefront of the decision-making process, we can provide accountability and a connection between clients and probation," says Daniel. "We offer an additional perspective that rounds out the conversation about how to best treat youth."

JCRT provides thoughtful reintegration planning that addresses the clinical needs of youth. The program ensures that youth and their family are involved in every step of the process regarding services, education, and vocational opportunities. In 2011, 76 percent of JCRT's referrals came from the highest-needs neighborhoods in San Francisco.

"It's important to collaborate with community-based service providers because we're already in the community. We have our ear to the ground," says Daniel. "By working together we can better connect youth to appropriate, individualized services in their own neighborhoods, and raise the standard for aftercare."

CJCJ youth client looks forward to the future

CJCJ celebrates Antonio for his many accomplishments over this past year. This week, he graduated from CJCJ'sDetention Diversion Advocacy Program (DDAP) and was dismissed from probation early due to his excellent progress and achievements. Over the summer, he also received his high school diploma and is currently looking forward to starting a new job!

Antonio spent most of his teenaged years in and out of San Francisco juvenile justice facilities and on probation. In May, he appeared in court and argued his own case so persuasively that the judge agreed to release him under DDAP's supervision. He fulfilled the necessary requirements of DDAP; attending substance abuse counseling, going to school everyday, and observing his 6 p.m.curfew.

"He used to blame the world for his downfalls and mishaps," says Antonio's DDAP case manager, Abdul "but with support, he started taking responsibility for his actions and was able to understand that nobody else could do that for him. No matter how bad things may seem, there is always hope — whether you are on probation or a teen who seems beyond help.”

Getting a second chance from the judge helped Antonio discover his full potential and now he is motivated to move forward with his life. Soon he plans on attending college, and then enrolling in law school to become a lawyer. "No one has a choice over the hand they’re dealt in life,” says Antonio. "I was misguided, and now I’m a changed man!”

Praise for After the Doors Were Locked by Daniel Macallair

CJCJ Executive Director's new book on the history of California's juvenile justice system receives positive reviews from criminal justice professionals

Daniel Macallair's ground-breaking new book on the history of the California youth corrections system weaves a compelling and incisive story about the nation's largest youth corrections system. Macallair exposes the realities of institutional life — including 150 years of scandal, public outrage, and failed reforms.

"Macallair's book is a complete and necessary survey of youth corrections that takes careful account of the social, economical, and political factors at play in California's juvenile justice system." — Ashley Nellis, PhD, Senior Research Analyst, The Sentencing Project

"This book provides a comprehensive, detailed account of the development of the juvenile justice system in California. It serves as an excellent resource for the inquiring novelist as well as the experienced researcher." — Riane M. Bolin, PhD, Assistant Professor, Radford University

"Macallair uses a mixture of legislative history, court rulings, factual accounts and public inquiries to lay bare the brutal history of California and the Nation's approach to juvenile delinquency from gold rush to present. Everyone involved in any aspect of the juvenile justice system needs to read this book. California is on a precipice: move forward and change, or doom the next generation to the same failures of the Houses of Refuge at the hands of Child Savers. May Macallair's account help Californians make the right choice. " — Andrea F. Joseph, New Mexico State University

Daniel Macallair's research was commissioned by the California State Assembly Public Safety Committee and is the most comprehensive history of California's youth corrections system to date.